T.M. Stevens was a veteran funk-rock bassist who played with Billy Joel, James Brown (1933–2006), Steve Vai, Tina Turner (1939–2023), and many others.
- Died: March 10, 2024 (Who else died on March 10?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 72.
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T.M. Stevens’ legacy
When Stevens was young, he loved the work of James Brown and his bassist, Bootsy Collins, and insisted he wanted to play with Brown and Collins someday. By the 1980s, Stevens had established himself as an in-demand session musician, and in 1985, his dream came true: he played bass on Brown’s hit single, “Living in America.” Around this time, he also joined the Pretenders and played on their album, “Get Close.”
Stevens recorded with several major artists in the 1980s and ‘90s, including Tina Turner, Joe Cocker (1944–2014), Cyndi Lauper, Little Steven, the Pretenders, and Billy Joel. He joined guitarist Steve Vai to record “Sex & Religion” in 1993, and he launched a solo music career just after, eventually releasing seven albums between 1995 and 2007. In 2011, he also played with another hero from his youth, Bootsy Collins.
In 2017, Stevens was diagnosed with advanced dementia and was living in a nursing home.
Notable quote
“One night I ran out the front of the theater and there was his limo. I knocked on the window and I said, ‘Mr. Brown I’ve seen all of your shows, and I love your music! One day I’m going to play with you.’ He said, ‘Don’t do it! Stay at school!’ Twenty years later I was in the studio with him recording Living in America.”—from a 2009 interview for Bass Guitar Magazine
Tributes to T.M. Stevens
Full obituary: Guitar World
